FUNCTION: This gene encodes a key enzyme of the fibrinolytic pathway. The encoded protein undergoes proteolytic processing by plasmin to generate a heterodimeric serine protease that cleaves the proenzyme plasminogen to produce plasmin, a protease that is required to break down fibrin clots. Additionally, the encoded protein is involved in other biological processes such as synaptic plasticity, cell migration and tissue remodeling. Mice lacking the encoded protein display a reduction in long-term potentiation in hippocampus and conversely, transgenic mice overexpressing the encoded protein have increased and prolonged long-term potentiation. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2015] PHENOTYPE: Mice homozygous for a knock-out allele exhibit abnormal behavior, CNS synpatic transmission, and response to injury. [provided by MGI curators]